Unfinished Business

Chapter 73

Que woke up before the sun, his mind already on the move. Today was the day he'd meet up with Rico, and he felt that familiar, electric mix of adrenaline and caution. He glanced over at Lena, still sleepin' peacefully, and he felt a pang of guilt twistin' in his chest. He'd heard her soft breaths through the night, knew she was tryin' to put on a strong front, but he also knew how much this was weighin' on her.

With one last look, he slipped out of bed and headed downstairs. His mind was focused, but he couldn't deny the doubts lingerin' in the back of his head. He wanted this one last payout—for their future, to make things comfortable—but he knew the stakes.

The Meeting

When he pulled up to the spot, Rico was already there, leanin' up against his car, a smirk on his face. "Glad you showed, Que. Was thinkin' you might get cold feet."

Que clenched his jaw, tryin' not to let the irritation show. "I said I'd be here, so let's get down to it. What's the plan?"

Rico laughed, clappin' him on the shoulder. "Still the same ol' Que. All business. I respect that." He nodded toward a small warehouse down the block. "It's simple, man. In and out, no mess, no heat. We'll be out before anyone knows what's goin' down."

Que nodded, his mind already analyzin' every angle, every exit, every step. This wasn't his first time doin' a job like this, but he couldn't shake the feelin' that somethin' was different, somethin' was off.

Execution

As they approached the warehouse, Que's instincts kicked in, every nerve on high alert. Rico led the way, pointin' out their entry and their escape route. They moved quickly, silently, gatherin' what they came for. Que felt the tension in his muscles start to ease—maybe this would be as smooth as Rico had promised.

But just as they were headin' back out, Que caught sight of somethin' out the corner of his eye—a security camera turnin' their way. He froze, grabbin' Rico's arm, his voice a low hiss, "We got eyes on us."

Rico cursed under his breath, glancin' around. "Keep movin'. We're almost out. Camera or not, we got what we came for."

Que's gut twisted. He hated leavin' loose ends, hated the thought of anythin' linkin' back to him. But he didn't have time to argue. He pushed forward, gettin' them back out to the car just as the first sounds of sirens echoed in the distance.

Back Home

By the time Que got back home, the sun was risin', paintin' the sky with a soft orange glow. He tried to shake off the adrenaline, to calm his breathin' as he stepped inside, but his mind was still racin'. He thought of Lena, of Amina, and of how close he'd come to gettin' caught up in somethin' bigger than he'd planned.

Lena was in the kitchen, pourin' herself a cup of tea. She looked up as he came in, her eyes searchin' his face. She didn't say anythin', but he could see the questions there, the worry she was tryin' to hold back.

Que walked over, reachin' for her hand. "It's done, Lena. One last time, just like I said."

She nodded slowly, her fingers clingin' to his. "I just hope it really is the last time, Que. We got too much to lose."

He pulled her close, holdin' her tight, feelin' the weight of her trust, knowin' how much he'd risked for somethin' that now didn't feel worth it. "Ain't nothin' more important than you and Amina. I'm done with all that, for real."

But as he held her, a chill ran down his spine. He knew Rico was good, but he couldn't help but wonder if they'd truly left no trace, if the camera had caught more than they'd realized.